71 LWB towing options - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Shon · 05-26-2009, 11:25 AM

I have a 71 LWB with Coil springs. I am going to be swapping to a 6.0/4L80 to tow my trailer/car; figuring 4700-5000#s loaded up.
I have air shocks on there and loaded it up this weekend and the trailer was level and the truck was squating some, if I put a level on the bed it needed like an inch to be level; I did move the car back some on the trailer but it did not make much difference. I have a pic of it I can post later if that will help but I am not sure the air shocks are going to be enough once we start moving with the dips in the road or any additional stuff in the bed. shocks aired up to 120PSI, the max my compressor will put out.

I am looking at options to add to the air shocks, or if need be I can remove.
The ideas i have come up with are:
1) Helper spring added on
2) Air bags in both springs
3) HD springs

What do you think would be best?

**N2TRUX** · 05-27-2009, 08:03 AM

I would suggest ditching the air shocks and go with air bags or helper bags.

The trouble with air shocks is they have limited capacity. Once they are at the max, the ride becomes stiff and rather uncontrolled.

Air bags (replacement) or helper bags will allow you to run a normal shock. You can air up as needed and still have the ride damping effect that the shock offers.

I have had good experience with helper bags on leaf spring trucks. Forum member Scoti will give a bog thumbs up to replacement bags.

If you don't want to run a compressor, you can use schrader valves to fill them.

Shon · 05-27-2009, 08:29 AM

Thanks!
I think I have decided that a set of helper air bags would be best.
I will look into a complete air bag system to replace the coil springs but I do not think the current budget will allow for that (even buying them at cost...) maybe later.

**N2TRUX** · 05-27-2009, 08:34 AM

You might compare the costs. Replacement bags can be found through our forum vendors at a very reasonable price. The helper bags require a few brackets and the price goes up.

Either way, I think you will be happier vs running air shocks.

Shon · 05-27-2009, 08:39 AM

Do you have part numbers for either set up?

05-26-2009, 11:25 AM	#1
Shon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: sc Posts: 1,203	71 LWB towing options I have a 71 LWB with Coil springs. I am going to be swapping to a 6.0/4L80 to tow my trailer/car; figuring 4700-5000#s loaded up. I have air shocks on there and loaded it up this weekend and the trailer was level and the truck was squating some, if I put a level on the bed it needed like an inch to be level; I did move the car back some on the trailer but it did not make much difference. I have a pic of it I can post later if that will help but I am not sure the air shocks are going to be enough once we start moving with the dips in the road or any additional stuff in the bed. shocks aired up to 120PSI, the max my compressor will put out. I am looking at options to add to the air shocks, or if need be I can remove. The ideas i have come up with are: 1) Helper spring added on 2) Air bags in both springs 3) HD springs What do you think would be best?

05-27-2009, 08:03 AM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: 71 LWB towing options I would suggest ditching the air shocks and go with air bags or helper bags. The trouble with air shocks is they have limited capacity. Once they are at the max, the ride becomes stiff and rather uncontrolled. Air bags (replacement) or helper bags will allow you to run a normal shock. You can air up as needed and still have the ride damping effect that the shock offers. I have had good experience with helper bags on leaf spring trucks. Forum member Scoti will give a bog thumbs up to replacement bags. If you don't want to run a compressor, you can use schrader valves to fill them. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

05-27-2009, 08:29 AM	#3
Shon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: sc Posts: 1,203	Re: 71 LWB towing options Thanks! I think I have decided that a set of helper air bags would be best. I will look into a complete air bag system to replace the coil springs but I do not think the current budget will allow for that (even buying them at cost...) maybe later.

05-27-2009, 08:34 AM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: 71 LWB towing options You might compare the costs. Replacement bags can be found through our forum vendors at a very reasonable price. The helper bags require a few brackets and the price goes up. Either way, I think you will be happier vs running air shocks. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

05-27-2009, 08:39 AM	#5
Shon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: sc Posts: 1,203	Re: 71 LWB towing options Do you have part numbers for either set up?



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